Meet Steve Ryan
1. What brought you to coaching?
I retired from being in the manufacturing business, sales, and marketing after about 30 years. I was looking for my next thing and I realized I found the most joy in mentoring, teaching, and instructing. I found out about coaching as a career about 4 years ago and never looked back.
2. Tell us about your coaching practice. (Niche, ideal client, etc.)
I am the District Life and Executive Coach for the Northfield School District. I work with students ages 14-18 academically (what blocks them from not doing as well in English as opposed to math), growing up and life skills, executive function skills. and prioritizing. I also provide life coaching for the staff, which is about 600 people. The position mainly started because of Covid when the district wanted another layer of help for the students and staff.
3. What do you love about your coaching work?
I love watching really smart people who are stuck, and as the result of coaching, they are enabled to see there are different options. They learn to expand their map of the world so they have more choices and options and are supported as they develop new behaviors. I also really love the “aha” moments and breakthroughs when people have insights they never thought of. I believe the answers are inside of you, and if someone can shine a light on then, you make discoveries that will help you make things happen.
4. Tell us about the coaching tools, books, podcasts, etc. that you follow that helps you to stay informed.
"Coaching Questions" by Tony Stoltzfus. I try to read it before every meeting to get different perspectives. I become more open to new possibilities and ways to work with clients.
5. How has ICF MN helped you as a coach?
It has expanded the map and model of the world. There are so many different people within ICF MN from so many different backgrounds. If you're involved and put time into it, you will get to know people with a variety of resources. They ask questions differently than I would. They show me ways to be more effective and other ways to approach situations. I joined the Outreach Committee and Mastermind Group, and I am the point-person for ICF MN’s relationship with Good Leadership.
6. How can folks connect with you?
Email: stevernlp@gmail.com
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